Assistant Director, Surratt Historic Site and Museum (12313, Grade 24)
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Riverdale Park, MD, United States
Description
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a leader in historic preservation and manages several museums, historic sites, and programs that commemorate and celebrate the region’s rich and diverse heritage, which is deeply rooted in African American history and culture.
The Department is seeking an energetic and organized Assistant Director for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum, a National Register of Historic Places site. The Assistant Director will support the Museum Director through museum best practices in operations and community‑centered programming, curation, and interpretation. Guided by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff provide meaningful interpretations of the experiences of all who lived at this 1852 farm—including its roles as a tavern, post office, and the residence of the first woman executed by the federal government—and focus on African American history and culture, particularly the impacts of emancipation, Reconstruction, and the struggle for social justice on those formerly enslaved here.
This role will help lead early‑stage research and the formation of two community‑led groups: a descendant network and an advisory committee. The successful candidate will report to the Museum Director and should have a strong background in African American history and culture. Responsibilities include community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, and preservation coordination, and support program development, outreach, and daily operations.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities:
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies. Support building maintenance, security, and environmental systems; coordinate inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors. Serve as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit. Provide ongoing support to frontline education staff, including facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research & Exhibitions:
Develop new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interpret history and culture especially from the African Diaspora, and demonstrate how the past continues to impact the present. Conduct and coordinate research on site history—from past to present—including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections. Activate collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance interpretive efforts. Develop and present research findings for internal and public audiences, fostering the utilization of the site as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming & Outreach:
Collaborate with the Museum Director and Education team to design and implement educational initiatives, including K–12 programs, public events, and special programs in collaboration with community partners. Build and sustain relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations to leverage resources and expand reach. Support marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promote positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration:
Collaborate with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan. Manage budgets for specific program areas and assist with grant‑writing efforts. Supervise part‑time staff, assign responsibilities, conduct regular meetings, address performance issues, and carry out evaluations for direct reports. Support the Museum Director to compile program and visitor evaluation data; develop performance metrics, and implement improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field preferred (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, especially engaging, collaborating, and working in African American communities.
At least 3–5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge and experience with museum best practices.
Extensive knowledge of Civil War and Reconstruction‑era history, Black history, local history.
Exceptional research capabilities, written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills (budgeting, contracts, database management).
Strategic and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and Social Justice practice or framework.
Experience with social media and digital outreach.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and related software.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or any related field.
Two (2) years of professional or related experience in history work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with state and Commission rules.
Work Conditions
Work in both office and research center/collection environments, as well as other field settings.
Walk grounds and facilities to identify and resolve maintenance issues.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Equal Opportunity The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act: If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application.
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The Department is seeking an energetic and organized Assistant Director for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum, a National Register of Historic Places site. The Assistant Director will support the Museum Director through museum best practices in operations and community‑centered programming, curation, and interpretation. Guided by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff provide meaningful interpretations of the experiences of all who lived at this 1852 farm—including its roles as a tavern, post office, and the residence of the first woman executed by the federal government—and focus on African American history and culture, particularly the impacts of emancipation, Reconstruction, and the struggle for social justice on those formerly enslaved here.
This role will help lead early‑stage research and the formation of two community‑led groups: a descendant network and an advisory committee. The successful candidate will report to the Museum Director and should have a strong background in African American history and culture. Responsibilities include community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, and preservation coordination, and support program development, outreach, and daily operations.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities:
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies. Support building maintenance, security, and environmental systems; coordinate inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors. Serve as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit. Provide ongoing support to frontline education staff, including facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research & Exhibitions:
Develop new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interpret history and culture especially from the African Diaspora, and demonstrate how the past continues to impact the present. Conduct and coordinate research on site history—from past to present—including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections. Activate collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance interpretive efforts. Develop and present research findings for internal and public audiences, fostering the utilization of the site as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming & Outreach:
Collaborate with the Museum Director and Education team to design and implement educational initiatives, including K–12 programs, public events, and special programs in collaboration with community partners. Build and sustain relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations to leverage resources and expand reach. Support marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promote positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration:
Collaborate with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan. Manage budgets for specific program areas and assist with grant‑writing efforts. Supervise part‑time staff, assign responsibilities, conduct regular meetings, address performance issues, and carry out evaluations for direct reports. Support the Museum Director to compile program and visitor evaluation data; develop performance metrics, and implement improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field preferred (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, especially engaging, collaborating, and working in African American communities.
At least 3–5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge and experience with museum best practices.
Extensive knowledge of Civil War and Reconstruction‑era history, Black history, local history.
Exceptional research capabilities, written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills (budgeting, contracts, database management).
Strategic and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and Social Justice practice or framework.
Experience with social media and digital outreach.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and related software.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or any related field.
Two (2) years of professional or related experience in history work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with state and Commission rules.
Work Conditions
Work in both office and research center/collection environments, as well as other field settings.
Walk grounds and facilities to identify and resolve maintenance issues.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Equal Opportunity The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act: If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application.
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